Launch and Media Coverage of the Traffic Controller Safety Survey

On Monday October 20th the TTM-ISG launched the highly anticipated Traffic Controller Safety Survey Report in Wellington.

Capturing responses from nearly 700 respondents, it is the most comprehensive survey of our road workers and their experiences. Read on for key findings, news of the launch event, media release, and media coverage to date.

Firstly - A Big Thank You
The TTM-ISG would like to thank and acknowledge everyone who shared and responded to the survey. For the first time, we have data that gives a clear picture of your experiences as road workers. The successes and ongoing impact of this report are thanks to your input.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT HERE
(Link to WeTransfer to access the download)

Summary of Key Findings

Over 60% of New Zealand road workers experience verbal abuse on a weekly basis
18% have experienced physical assault monthly
65% of respondents report drivers refusing to stop at least once a week
Half of road workers have experienced a near miss in the past 12 months. - Near misses are attributed to distracted drivers, speeding drivers, or construction vehicles.
4% of New Zealand workers reported being struck by a vehicle in the past 12 months

Launch Event

The TTM-ISG hosted representatives from the sector to the launch of the report in New Zealand, the event brought together representatives from several organisations which have committed to joining a cross-sector working group which will include TTM-ISG, New Zealand Police, NZTA, Worksafe, ACC, CCNZ, AA and Transporting Aotearoa.

We were grateful to Matthew Bereni, CEO of the Traffic Management Association of Australia, our partners in the survey for joining us for the launch of the survey findings which included New Zealand for the first time. We also heard from Andrew Clark, National Manager Maintenance and Operations at NZTA, as well as Dylan Thomsen, Manager of Communications, Road Safety and Research at AA.

(L-R) Darren Wu, (TTM-ISG), Andrew Clark (NZTA), Simon McManus (TTM-ISG), Matthew Bereni (Traffic Management Association of Australia) and Dylan Thomsen (AA)

Media Coverage of the Report

The launch of the report has enabled the TTM-ISG to proactively engage with the media as a voice for the sector. Media outreach was targeted to give audiences a better understanding of the experiences of road workers, to explain the significant transition the sector is going through and to encourage them to play their part.

It has been heartening to see lots of positive, balanced coverage. Please share the coverage with colleagues and your wider networks.

NZ Herald Editorial Report on road worker abuse is shocking ... and shouldn’t come as a surprise – Editorial
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/report-on-road-worker-abuse-is-shocking-and-shouldnt-come-as-a-surprise-editorial/52LOJ7GUUBGGLM5TE5FITMYM2Y/

TVNZ Breakfast Tuesday 21st October: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/breakfast/episodes/s2025-e181
(interview ~52:45 into recording)

NZ Herald NOW interview: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/road-workers-report-being-verbally-and-physically-abused-by-frustrated-drivers/ML2P5MLTLJDZDHBUFBNMZIDE7Q/

NZ Herald Now Panel: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/video/herald-now/herald-now-panel-inflation-social-media-and-road-worker-abuse/6GDGEJZXGNEOCGFMI4AMOU2YAQ/ (from 5mins into recording)

Radio NZ article and interview: Roadworkers report being abused - verbally and physically - by frustrated drivers https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/576522/roadworkers-report-being-abused-verbally-and-physically-by-frustrated-drivers

The Platform interview: https://theplatform.kiwi/podcasts/episode/darren-wu-on-the-rise-of-abuse-towards-road-workers

Newstalk ZB (Hugh Goddard interview): https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/hugh-goddard-pipeline-civil-ltd-owner-on-the-increase-in-road-rage-at-traffic-stops/